Lyman grads urged to become your own hero’

Heroes, real and fictitious, were saluted by the Lyman Memorial High School class of 2013 during its graduation ceremony Friday at the Lebanon school.

By JAMES MOSHER

The Bulletin

By JAMES MOSHER

Posted Jun. 22, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 22, 2013 at 10:01 PM

By JAMES MOSHER

Posted Jun. 22, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 22, 2013 at 10:01 PM

Lebanon, Conn.

Heroes, real and fictitious, were saluted by the Lyman Memorial High School class of 2013 during its graduation ceremony Friday at the Lebanon school.

Principal Stephen Salisbury and Assistant Principal Carol Moore, who are leaving the school in career moves, and three retiring teachers were thanked by the students and other school personnel. Salisbury called upon the dozens attending the outdoor ceremony on the school’s front lawn to remember those serving in the military. Valedictorian Emily Klein centered her speech on comic book superheroes.

Citing the human frailties of Batman, Klein urged her classmates to “make use of what you’ve got even if it’s not much.”

“There are all types of heroes,” she said. “Become your own hero.”

After being introduced by Class President Roger Jeannotte, Superintendent of Schools Janet Tyler called attention to the heroic role of parents, telling students that those adults are “the backbone of your being.”

She called upon the graduates to have the courage to take action.

“You can be the active hero of your own life,” Tyler said.

Parents were viewing their children heroically as they waited for them to receive their diplomas.

“I’m very happy and excited,” said Heidi Pinkston, mother of graduate Brittany Pinkston, as she sat alongside Brittany’s father, John, and six other family members, including Brittany’s two grandmothers. “She’s our first and only child, so we’re emotional today.”

John Pinkston used one word to describe his mindset for the day — “proud.”

This year’s class numbered 107, down from last year’s 119. Graduates wore green and white ribbons on their blue gowns to show solidarity with Sandy Hook Elementary School, where 20 students and six staff were killed in December.

Honor Essayist Devin McCall called his Lyman classmates attention to the many material possessions that most Americans take for granted, saying “I believe we are a truly spoiled generation.”

He urged the graduates to view their opportunities as special and make the most of them in setting examples.